Columbia County Sheriff Denounces Violence After Unlawful Easter Gathering at Annie Mattox Park

Columbia County Sheriff Wallace Kitchings is calling for urgent community action following a large, “unlawful” Easter Sunday gathering at Annie Mattox Park in Lake City. In an open letter released Tuesday, April 13, 2026, the sheriff urged civilian community leaders to join law enforcement in denouncing violence after an event that he claims posed significant risks to the surrounding neighborhood.

The Scale of the Gathering

According to Sheriff Kitchings, the Easter celebration drew between 1,500 and 3,000 attendees, many of whom were not residents of the area. The sheer volume of people created an environment that law enforcement struggled to manage, leading to several critical safety concerns.

The sheriff highlighted the dangers of “large, dense crowds in open, uncontrolled environments,” noting that the gathering resulted in blocked roadways. These obstructions limited vital access for emergency responders, including fire rescue, medical personnel, and law enforcement officers.

Unlawful Assembly and Public Safety

The event’s classification as “unlawful” stems from reports of public drug and alcohol use. Kitchings noted that the gathering spilled beyond the designated park areas, prompting local residents to approach law enforcement to request that peace and order be restored.

Instances of violence were reported both at the event and in the surrounding areas. This volatility mirrors a troubling pattern at the site. last year’s Easter celebration was also interrupted by gunfire, which left many local families concerned about the safety of the annual tradition.

A History of Violence and Lasting Impact

The current unrest follows a series of violent incidents in the region. Sheriff Kitchings specifically referenced a drive-by shooting and an incident from last April in which a law enforcement officer was injured. The sheriff emphasized that the officer continues to suffer lasting effects from that shooting.

Efforts to Increase Security

In response to previous violence, city officials attempted to harden security for the 2026 celebration. Measures included:

• Increased police patrols across every corner of the park.
• Blocking off specific areas to protect families.
• Enhanced officer presence on-site to deter gunfire and fighting.

Although some residents, such as Shonta Washington, expressed that the increased police presence made them feel safe, others, like resident Shay Bowling, suggested the measures might be excessive. Despite these precautions, park board members are continuing to take steps to increase safety following the most recent incidents.

Looking Forward

The tension between the community’s desire for an annual celebration and the necessity of public safety remains high. As the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office continues to address the fallout from the Easter Sunday events, the focus has shifted toward whether community leaders will heed the sheriff’s call to help restore order and prevent future violence at Annie Mattox Park.